8 Tricks to Grow a Big and Giant Geranium Tree

14.05.2024 - 10:19 / balconygardenweb.com / Raul Cornelius

When we picture geraniums, we think about plants that are growing in the border, or small pots, or window boxes, thriving with beautiful flowers. However, do you know that these can be trained to grow as mini trees, too?

Go for Geranium psilostemon (4-5 feet) and Pelargonium ‘Lord Bute (3-4 feet),’ which has tall, upright stems and clusters of vivid flowers. Geranium maderense (4-5 feet) and Pelargonium ‘Tall Dark & Handsome (3-5 feet)’ are also great picks, as these have sturdy stems that can grow into a small tree-like structure, if trained well from an early stage.

Don’t wait for your Geranium to grow naturally tall, it is not going to achieve the height quickly unless you apply some tricks! If you want to shape it into a beautiful small tree, you will have to start training the plant when it’s young.

Start trimming off the side shoots. What it will do is help the plant to divert its energy to the main, central stem, making it sturdy over time. A sole main stem will also help the plant to look like a mini tree.

After you prune and get that central stem, stake the plant with a sturdy support to keep it upright. Use a plastic or a bamboo pole, as they are light weight and easy to use.

Just make sure not to tie too tightly as it can damage the main central stem. Also, use a cotton string for the job.

Geraniums are not fussy when it comes to the growing medium and do pretty well in regular garden soil. However, if you want them to do well and boost their growth, go for potting mix with equal amounts of soil, peat moss, and perlite.

This will promote nutrient uptake in the plant, helping its central stem to grow thicker and stronger for that typical, tree-like look.

Do not just start feeding the plant whenever you like it or